Covid-19 fines low compared to nearby counties
DESPITE having a higher population than its neighbouring counties, Wexford recorded a lower level of Covid-19 fines in February.
Up to Thursday 276 fines were issued, with several more processed over the following four days. This compares to 420 in County Wicklow and 280 in County Waterford, which also recorded additional cases over the weekend.
By and large the fines ranged from €100 to €500. An Garda Síochána has had the power to issue fines for breaches of Covid restrictions since early January.
Gardaí continue to find groups gathering at house parties, social gatherings and for exercise etc. in breach of regulations. Seven people found attending a house party in New Ross on February 19 were fined €150 each, while the homeowner was fined €500.
‘These are not just breaches of regulations but are a risk to the individuals involved, their families and loved ones, and continue to put everybody’s health and the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic at risk,’ a garda spokesperson said. ‘Recent surveys have shown that the majority of people believe that they are doing the right thing, but the reality is that the level of casual contacts remains high.’
More than 280 Covid fines have been issued in County Wexford.
Up to Thursday, 276 fines were issued, with several more processed over the following four days.
By and large the fines ranged from €100 to €500.
Despite being the most populous county, Wexford recorded a low level of fines compared to Wicklow (420) and Waterford (280).
An Garda Síochána has had the power to issue fines for breaches of Covid restrictions since early January. Gardaí continue to find groups gathering at house parties, social gatherings and for exercise etc. in breach of regulations. Seven people found attending a house party in New Ross on February 19 were fined €150 each, while the homeowner was fined €500.
The Covid fines are: €100 fines for non-essential travel, €500 fines for non-essential journeys to airports orports, €500 fines for organising a house party €150 fines for attending a house party, and €80 each for not wearing a face covering.
‘These are not just breaches of regulations but are a risk to the individuals involved, their families and loved ones, and continue to put everybody’s health and the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic at risk,’ a garda spokesperson said. ‘Recent surveys have shown that the majority of people believe that they are doing the right thing, but the reality is that the level of casual contacts remains high.’
An Garda Síochána will be continuing nationwide checkpoints and high visibility patrols at public amenities, parks and beauty spots across the county this weekend in support of public health regulations.
‘We are again advising the public of the need to plan their activities over the weekend to take account that people are only allowed to exercise within 5km of their home. People are reminded that the 5km limit includes the distance travelled from their home to a location for exercise. In other words, you can’t travel more than 5km to a location to exercise. The public should also be aware that if a driver is found to be in breach of the non-essential travel regulations that not only can the driver be fined, but their adult passengers as well. This is also the case for adults in groups undertaking activities such as cycling or walking – every adult in such a group can be fined.’
This has occurred several times in County Wexford during February, including five fines being issued to people travelling together in one car from Clonmel, when they were stopped in the New Ross district in early February.
In enforcing these regulations, Gardaí have been using the 4Es approach – engaging, explaining, and encouraging with enforcement a last resort. An Garda Síochána continues to remind persons subject to domestic violence - travel restrictions do not apply in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person. ‘An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person who may have been the victim of an incident of sexual or domestic crime irrespective of whether you may have been in breach of any public health regulations, for instance by attending a house party, An Garda Síochána is here to assist and support you, please report all such incidents.’
The total number of fines issued at the time of going to press numbered around 10,000. People issued with a COVID-19 related fine have 28 days to pay the fine. Anyone who fails to pay their fine within 28 days will receive a Court date shortly after. It is a matter for the Court, but failure to pay the FPN can result in conviction for a first offence in the District Court in a fine of €1,000 and/or imprisonment. Courts are also open to reporting by media.